Prevent Your Pets From Being Poisoned By Antifreeze
Every year as many as 10,000 pets and thousands of children are poisoned by ingesting antifreeze due to ignorance or accidentally in the United States. Dogs and cats are easily poisoned by small amounts of this coolant. Cats are affected four times more sensitive to coolant poisoning than dogs. It only takes 1 to 2 teaspoons to poison a cat. Only three teaspoons will poison a medium sized dog. In most cases this type of poisoning is fatal, but even if your pet does not die from an antifreeze poisoning, your pet’s health will be forever changed.
Ethylene glycol is the sweet tasting agent in car coolant. It is the ethylene glycol that accounts for the many pet deaths every year. Many states are passing regulations that require that the bittering agent, denatoninol benzoate be added. This bittering agent can be added during the manufacturing process. It is biodegradable and is safe for engines. It only costs pennies on the gallon to add denatoninol benzoate. That is worth the thousands of pets’ lives that could be saved every year.
On April 15, 2010, Utah passed Senate Bill 218. This legislation was championed by Bill Breedlove, who sadly lost his dog “Freddy” to accidental antifreeze poisoning. Utah’s Governor Herbert signed this bill that states that as of January 1, 2011, any car coolant sold in the state of Utah must have denatonium benzoate added to it. This bill was passed to prevent children and pets from ingesting this poisonous substance.
Until national legislation and regulation is passed, it is best to take preventative measures and keep your pets and children safe. You can switch to propylene glycol based coolant which is less toxic than ethylene glycol. You can also check for leaks in your car and clean up any spills. You can also keep your car coolant in a tight container, in high places away from areas that pets and children might play. And last but not least, be sure to dispose of it properly.
If you suspect that your cat or dog has been poisoned, it is imperative that you call your veterinarian immediately. You may notice the following symptoms in your pet if they have ingested coolant: vomiting, increased heart beat, rapid breathing, weakness, increased thirst, intoxication behavior, diarrhea, seizures or coma. Although you might want to make your pet vomit, do not induce vomiting if your pet is in shock, unconscious or having trouble breathing. The best thing you can do for your pet is to rush to the veterinarian.
If you follow safe handling practices and take preventative measures, your pets and children can be kept safe from antifreeze poisoning.
If you are an animal advocate who is concerned with pet safety, then visit the Humane Society of Utah’s web site for more information on animal advocacy today.